The Aidan Project

#56 - Notes on Patriotism: Taking a Knee

In the previous episode, Aidan
talked about the British reverence for Monarchy. In this edition,
Aidan moves across the pond to explore the US national identity. In
recent weeks, we have been reminded of the importance of the US
flag and national anthem to Americans, with Donald Trump on the
offensive against sportsmen who have protested racial inequality
and other related grievances by taking a knee for the US national
anthem. Protesting can carry a political cost and can give
ammunition to your opponent. David Frum wrote in Atlantic magazine,
“Colin Kaepernick has better right to that flag and anthem than
Donald Trump. Why concede that right? Assert it.” This is an
interesting debate. Aidan gives his take, and explains why he would
refuse to sing the British national anthem. Aidan also addresses
recent comments made by Trump about press freedom. These
comments follow those made in February, when - lest we forget -
Trump outrageously stated that the press were “the enemy of the
people.” For further reading and links to references, head to the
podcast’s web site at www.TheAidanProject.org

About the Podcast

Aidan Coughlan's inquisitive podcast examines current events, history and culture. What is happening in the world and how do we make sense of it? Aidan, assisted by expert guests from around the globe, is on a quest to find out. Why not join him?